Gift-a-Family campaign returns in support of local kids in need

NEWS RELEASE
GIFT-A-FAMILY
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For the second year in a row, the Gift-a-Family campaign is set to bring the holiday spirit to children and families in need throughout the Barrie community.

Founded by Amanda Patrick, a local business owner of LADR Consulting and mother, the campaign provides full Christmas experiences — including decorations, gifts, dinner, stockings, and traditional holiday items — to children who may not otherwise have the opportunity to experience the magic of Christmas.

The Gift-a-Family campaign is more than just holiday cheer; it’s a heartfelt tribute to three local children, Kambel, Pauly and Renee, whose lives were tragically lost 24 years ago in a tragic hide-a-seek accident in Barrie in Amanda’s house when she was just 13.

The campaign also seeks to raise awareness about child safety by educating the public on the dangers of antique wooden trunks and the importance of drilling air holes to prevent tragic accidents.

Last year, the campaign exceeded its goal by supporting 91 children, raising $75,000 in contributions in just five weeks, and creating cherished holiday memories for Barrie families in need.

This year, with the goal to reach 100 children, the campaign continues to focus on children who are overlooked by traditional charitable organizations, with a special emphasis on raising self-esteem and self-worth.

The only way the campaign can identify these often-overlooked children is through anonymous nominations from community members who know them personally — whether that’s a teacher, coach, neighbour or family friend.

Stories like that of a 10-year-old boy and his 12-year-old sister last year, who previously shared a blow-up mattress with a hole that deflated overnight, remind us why giving back is so crucial. Thanks to the Gift-a-Family campaign, these children woke up in a brand-new bed with warm, cozy bedding, a fully decorated Christmas tree, a warm meal, and gifts picked out especially for them — all for the first time.

Another young girl, 7, who had never had a Christmas tree or stocking filled with treats, was overjoyed by the small surprises that made her feel valued and seen.

The Gift-a-Family campaign stands out from other holiday charity drives for several unique reasons:

1. Focus on overlooked children: Instead of focusing on families already connected to traditional charities, this campaign reaches children who might otherwise be overlooked — often because their parents are unable or unwilling to seek help. Through an anonymous nomination process, caring community members can nominate these children without revealing their identity, ensuring support reaches those who need it most.
2. Local focus on Barrie: The campaign is highly localized, aiming to create a close-knit support system within Barrie. This helps ensure that the support reaches the community most familiar with the campaign’s mission.
3. Tribute to lost children: The campaign is in honour of three local children, Kambel (7), Pauly (4), and Renee (3), who tragically lost their lives in Barrie 24 years ago in Amanda’s home.
4. Comprehensive Christmas experience: Beyond gifts, the campaign provides a full Christmas experience. This includes decorations, a Christmas tree, stockings, holiday dinner, and items like Elf on the Shelf and a Santa plate, bringing the complete magic of Christmas to each child’s home.
5. Focus on self-esteem and self-worth: More than just meeting material needs, the campaign focuses on boosting children’s self-esteem by giving them a holiday experience they can be proud of, building lasting memories that affirm their worth and value.
6. Child safety awareness: The campaign also raises awareness around antique wooden trunks, urging people to make them safer by drilling air holes. This safety aspect is unique to Gift-a-Family, tying into the legacy of the children it honours.
7. Community connection and transparency: Sponsors have the opportunity to meet the families they support, adding a personal connection and fostering a sense of community involvement that goes beyond simply donating.

Amanda facilitates the campaign by matching families with sponsors or personally shopping for them using monetary donations. Sponsors have the opportunity to meet the families they support at the time of drop-off, creating a lasting impact and sense of connection within the community.

For those interested in making a difference, here’s how you can help:

• Nominate a child today: Know a child in need in Barrie? Submit an anonymous nomination and give a child the gift of Christmas magic this season.
• Become a sponsor — change a life: Join our campaign as a sponsor and help provide a full Christmas experience to a child in need.
• Spread the word: Help us reach more children by sharing this post with educators, coaches, and community members. Together, we can make this Christmas unforgettable for kids in Barrie.
• Donate today — every dollar counts: Contribute to our mission and help cover gifts, dinner, and holiday decorations for local families in need. One hundred per cent goes directly to local kids.
• Support a child’s safety — drill holes in antique wooden trunks: Join us in spreading safety awareness to prevent accidents. Let’s keep our kids safe.
• Be part of the change: Follow along on Instagram @gift_a_family as we create joyful memories for children who deserve a magical Christmas.

Interested in any of the above? Visit our website, www.ladrconsulting.com/giftafamily, or the link in our Instagram bio @gift_a_family for a detailed FAQ, sponsor and nomination forms, campaign video highlights and more.

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